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More Black officers from the Pasadena, California police department are alleging racial discrimination in the workplace.
According to the Atlanta Black Star, Attorney Brad Gage is representing Pasadena officers Jarvis Shelby and Milton White in a lawsuit against the department.
Shelby's mother, Kim, claimed a commanding officer put her son in a headlock in August, leaving him with potential "career-ending" injuries. Kim said the alleged incident forced the officer to be out of a job, and his supervisor wasn't disciplined.
White’s wife accused the department of trying to retaliate against her husband after he saw the attack.
Gage is also representing a third officer, Taisyn Crutchfield, who recently filed a lawsuit claimed she was reprimanded after trying to de-escalate an incident where her colleague allegedly pushed a Black boy's face into a cactus-like plant. According to the suit, Crutchfield was ordered to go back to the station and was placed on paid leave for six months before returning to active duty.
Crutchfield also claims that her colleagues failed to acknowledge a request for backup when she was responding to an incident with an armed man.
“All of the Black officers that we’re representing have experienced some type of racist comment or racial slur while working at this department,” Gage added in a statement.
Officials addressed the allegations in a statement.
“The City of Pasadena cannot respond in a public debate regarding the claims, as they involve personnel matters, which are confidential under California law,” the statement reads. “With that said, personnel complaints against any Pasadena police officers are investigated thoroughly and fairly, and all personnel throughout our ranks are always held accountable for their actions.”
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